PCFI Music Instrumental Program

The Arts Council of Hillsborough County has granted the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc. funds to purchase three types of Philippine musical instruments: winds (bamboo), strings (Philippine Rondalla), and percussion (old ethnic brass gongs and anklungs).

The three types of instruments are deep rooted in the culture of Filipinos and clearly portrays the indigenous heritage of the Philippines – the bamboo instruments reflect the tribal history, the xylophonic percussion gongs mirror the Moslem influence; the strings (rondalla) depict the more than 400 years of Spanish rule prior to the Philippines gaining its independence from the United States in 1945.

To date, the PCFI has acquired a 30-piece anklung ensemble, bumbong ensemble, a number of rondallas, octavinas and lauds, classical guitars, brass gongs, a double bass and a grand piano. These instruments are offered for use to volunteer children, youth and adult members who are in various levels of experience, some with no experience at all.

Classes are held at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center every Saturday or including weekdays as the needs arise. Please contact the PCFI office for actual schedules.